Effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on beans germination (Vigna unguiculata L.)

Abstract

The 60 Hz electromagnetic field effects during the germination process in seeds of Vigna unguiculata L. with more than one year of storage was determined. Three electromagnetic treatments (2.00; 4.00 and 6.00 mT) were performed. A local electromagnetic stimulator device (BioNaK-03) (Patent No.22602/1999) was used. Each induction was applied to 100 seeds without imbibition (SSI) per treatment and the same to imbibition seeds (ICS) during 9 minutes. Two control groups (SSI and SCI) were established. Percentage of germination, germination speed and length of shoot and radicle were evaluated. At the end, 13.3 % of germination in imbibed and treated seeds with 2.00 mT was increased. A reduction in 54 % of this parameter to 4.00 mT in seeds without imbibition was obtained. Likewise, the highest value in shoot length in the seedlings of green bean for the plants that received the electromagnetic treatment was observed. At the same time, a reduction in the length of the radicle for the treatment of 6.00 mT was obtained. The results, although not entirely conclusive, show that the application of a magnetic treatment of 2.00 mT for 9 minutes improved the germination and growth of V. unguiculata seeds.

Keywords

• electromagnetic field
• percentage of germination
• germination speed